11/3/2009 1:45:00 PM Four patients hospitalized with H1N1
Special to the Times
BLYTHE - There have been four patients with confirmed H1N1 hospitalized at Palo Verde Hospital and one other suspected H1N1 case was reported during the period of Sept. 30- Oct. 20.
The hospital reported that 91 patients total tested positive for Influenza A + screens through outpatients and the Emergency Department. Many of these fall under the category of suspect H1N1 cases. There have been no deaths from the H1N1 virus in the facility to date.
"As we head into the flu season, it is time to think about the best ways to prepare ourselves for the upcoming flu season," said Palo Verde Hospital's spokesperson, Doreen Dekens. "The seasonal flu is an issue that health care providers prepare for annually. This year we are dealing with the results of not only seasonal flu but also the H1N1 virus."
Hospital officials said that one of the most important tasks, in addition to offering vaccinations for seasonal flu, is public education about the flu virus, its symptoms, and precautions to protect one's health.
"We will be receiving a limited number of the H1N1 vaccine, which is the number one way to prevent transmission of the H1N1 virus," Dekens said. "However, there are very specific guidelines regarding who should be vaccinated. The priorities include children and young adults ages 6 months up to 25 years, those who are pregnant or will be during the flu season, as well as health care workers and those who are at high risks for complications from the flu such as immunocompromised individuals. When the vaccine becomes available for the public, we will send out notification via the newspaper and/or the radio."
The H1N1 virus causes a respiratory influenza-like illness. The virus is spread from person-to-person and is probably spread the same way that seasonal flu is spread, through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. The virus may also be spread by touching something with flu viruses on it, such as a tissue or a door knob and then touching your nose or mouth.
There are everyday actions that can prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza that are effective both for seasonal flu and the H1N1.
"We strongly encourage our community to take these everyday steps to protect your health," Dekens said.
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
5. Stay home if you are sick for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been fever-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
In addition, hospital officials are strongly encouraging anyone who has flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness not to visit patients in the hospital.
"If you need medical attention, you may go to the ER," Dekens said. "We are also discouraging children under 12 years old from visiting the hospital unless they need medical care. Children are at a higher risk for having complications related to the flu. We are taking these precautions to help prevent the spread of the flu."
For more information on seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm.
Copyright 2010 Western News&Info, Inc.® Palo Verde Valley Times is the information source for Blythe, California, Quartzsite, Arizona and surrounding area communities. Original content may not be reprinted or distributed without the written permission of Western News&Info, Inc.® Palo Verde Valley Times Online is a service of WNI. By using the site, you agree to abide and be bound by the site's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which prohibit commercial use of any information on the site. Click Here to email your questions or comments to the Webmaster. Palo Verde Valley Times Online is a proud publication of Western News&Info Inc.® All Rights Reserved.
